COMMUNITY VOICES AND COMMENTARY STRENGTHEN N.C.

Beacon Media serves local news and community outlets that reach communities across North Carolina. We provide community media with high-quality commentary on issues that matter—to help you keep serving your communities in a rapidly-changing media economy.

Building Relationships

We build relationships with existing and emerging community leaders across the state who are working on the issues that will make North Carolina thrive.

Produce Commentary

We help emerging leaders produce commentary about their communities: what issues they’re facing, what lessons they’ve learned, and what they want the rest of North Carolina to know about them.

Syndicate & Distribute

We distribute their work for free to print and digital publications, nonprofit institutions, community thought leaders and through community radio in English and Spanish.

Who we are

North Carolina has the second largest rural population outside of Texas. We have people who have lived here for generations, and millions of people who have moved into our state in the past few years. We syndicate thought leaders and advocates who understand the complexity of our state and who care deeply about policies that will make North Carolina a better place to live for all North Carolinians.

Beacon voices

At Beacon Media, our stories are shaped by a dynamic group of contributors whose roots run deep in North Carolina. From lifelong residents to recent arrivals, our Beacon Voices bring unique perspectives that truly reflect the diversity of our state. They delve into overlooked stories with dedication, aiming to spark meaningful conversations and affect real change. These contributors are more than just journalists; they are engaged citizens and passionate advocates for their communities.

Our Stories

Feb 17, 2025 / By

Dalton George: How the Hellbender unites North Carolina’s mountains

The Hellbender is currently under review to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, as populations have dwindled due to pollution and overdevelopment. In many ways, its resiliency is part of what makes it so distinctly Appalachian. While development and the gentrification of Appalachia continue to displace historic working families, they're also pushing out the Hellbender. 

Jan 21, 2025 / By

The unheralded heroes of Hurricane Helene

First responders deserve praise for their efforts, but what about others who have made it possible to recover? By Dalton George  In the weeks and months after Hurricane Helene, I've seen many good stories about the police and fire departments that sent employees to...

Dec 3, 2024 / By

The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.

Our Stories

Feb 17, 2025 / By

Dalton George: How the Hellbender unites North Carolina’s mountains

The Hellbender is currently under review to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, as populations have dwindled due to pollution and overdevelopment. In many ways, its resiliency is part of what makes it so distinctly Appalachian. While development and the gentrification of Appalachia continue to displace historic working families, they're also pushing out the Hellbender. 

Jan 21, 2025 / By

The unheralded heroes of Hurricane Helene

First responders deserve praise for their efforts, but what about others who have made it possible to recover? By Dalton George  In the weeks and months after Hurricane Helene, I've seen many good stories about the police and fire departments that sent employees to...

Dec 3, 2024 / By

The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.